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Sermons from Simple Church in Oxford, AL.
Episodes
Wednesday Feb 07, 2018
Wednesday Feb 07, 2018
In our fourth message in our series on Daniel, we see how crucial it is to stay focused on what God has called us to in our lives. There will be times in our pursuit of Christ where we will have to make the choice to stand solid on the truth or give in to the pressures around us. To make a difference in the world around us, we have to remain strong in our convictions and be Spirit led.
Daniel and his friends had the choice to give in, and potentially save their lives, or honor God at all costs. If we are in tune with the Holy Spirit in our lives, we will be joyful in the sacrifice, no matter what it looks like for us.
Daniel 3:1-16, Matthew 27:11-14, Isaiah 53:7-8
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Wednesday Jan 31, 2018
Wednesday Jan 31, 2018
The faithfulness throughout the book of Daniel is constant. Even though it seems hopeless many times, God's plan is in full motion the whole time. Daniel knew God had ultimate control over their situation and thanked God before he ever saw the outcome. God gives gifts and talents not for our benefit, but for His glory. Daniel used the ability God gave him to turn the eyes of the king to who is truly in control. God was recognized and glorified through Daniel's interpretation of the dream.
In our own lives, we cannot see the end result of our situation. If we lean into God's promises and trust His faithfulness, we are able to rest in our hope in Him. Whether or not we recognize Him as King, He is King.
Daniel 2:24-49
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Friday Jan 26, 2018
Friday Jan 26, 2018
As we walk through this life, there has to be a moment we realize there is more to life than "me". As a follower of Christ, it should be an overflow of a seeking heart to bear the burdens of others and serve the world in the name of Jesus. God's word points us toward that truth and there are times He chooses to use events in our world to open our eyes to what our calling in life truly is.
Paul constantly calls and encourages followers of Christ to remember who we are and to what cost our privilege to spread the Good News came. Jesus is our end goal and our greatest hope. He loved us so we could be equipped to love others in His Name.
Joshua 1:5, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Philippians 2:1-4
Dawn Hedgepeth, Danielle Calvert
Tuesday Jan 23, 2018
Tuesday Jan 23, 2018
King Nebuchadnezzar has had a disturbing dream and he wants an interpretation for it. Not only does the king want someone to explain what his dream means, he wants someone to tell him what his dream was actually about.
We see in the first half of this chapter, only God sees our heart, knows our thoughts and is wise enough to both give and interpret our dreams. God gives Daniel the insight that is needed to put in motion a series of events that will lead to understanding for the king and glory to God.
Daniel pauses and praises God for answering his request. In our own lives, being in communication with God is vital to being ready to obey when He calls us to do something. Seeking Him above all else, hearing His voice and knowing He is close causes us to pause and praise Him for His provision.
Daniel 2:1-23
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Thursday Jan 18, 2018
Thursday Jan 18, 2018
In our new series "Daniel", we immediately see God in the midst of what could become a bad situation. Among the captured young men from the Tribe of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. They were given new names, a strict training regime and prepared meals from the king's kitchen. Daniel rejected the food, did not take the wine and asked for permission not to eat the foods he believed to be unacceptable. An agreement was reached and a trial for ten days was in place. In the end, these four men were chosen and looked far better than any others who had kept to the strict diet ordered by the king.
Even in the face of change in our enviornment, we are called to remain the people God has called us to be. God gave Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah favor in the king's sight so His purposes could be accomplished. God is always at work in our lives to bring fulfillment to His plan. In the face of hardships, we often cannot see any good in what is happening. Do not lose heart; God's will can never be changed. The things we compromise on that we believe do not matter, matter. God has called us to be set apart.
Daniel 1:1-21
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Saturday Jan 13, 2018
Saturday Jan 13, 2018
As we continue to read the letter from Paul to Timothy, we see encouragement to continue to remain faithful. Paul reminds Timothy to remember what he has been taught and the wisdom the scriptures have given him. God instructs and corrects with the truth of His word and uses it to equip His followers to do the work He calls them to.
Just as Timothy received this letter, we too hear the truth of Paul's words as he urges Timothy to remember telling others the Good News is the most important thing. We have to realize as followers of Christ, that is what we are called to do as well. Paul states, "Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you." Those words are the words to us today. We have to remember no matter what happens to us in this life, it is Christ who lives inside us and it is for Christ we live.
2 Timothy 3:14-17, 4:1-5
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Wednesday Jan 10, 2018
Wednesday Jan 10, 2018
Stephen. He was a man described as "full of the Holy Spirit" and chosen to be one of the seven believerswho would be in charge of making sure the newly implemented food program was operating fairly. Stephen was not one of the twelve apostles teaching God's word, yet we see what a profound and lasting impact he made for God's kingdom in the role he was obedient in. We can clearly see through the arrest of Stephen and when he addresses the high priest and the other men present, God is working in all situations. In our times of waiting, confusion and pain, His will is being carried out. Even as Saul (who would later be named Paul) was in full agreement of the stoning of Stephen, God was working.
We often forget Jesus has saved us with a hope that is greater than our problems and our struggles. Stephen stood in faith and looked to Jesus even in the face of persecution and , ultimately, death. He knew his reward was Jesus and He was enough.
Jesus was enough for Stephen then, and Jesus is enough for us today.
Acts 7:1-60
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Saturday Jan 06, 2018
Saturday Jan 06, 2018
Paul writes to encourage Timothy to continue on in his calling and to remember who he is in Christ. While in prison, Paul reminds his brother in the faith to be ready to suffer for the gospel and rely on God's strength that is in him.
As followers of Christ, we are reminded Jesus defeated death and gives light to all those who follow Him. Because of our new heart, God has given us a new spirit of power, love and self-discipline. We walk in the truth of the Spirit and are not ashamed to tell others about Christ and all He has done for us. We can encourage other believers to continue in the faith, remember the joy we have in Christ and fully trust God, just as Paul did with Timothy.
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Tuesday Jan 02, 2018
Tuesday Jan 02, 2018
As we continue in our series, "Act: What The Modern Church Isn't Doing", Kenny explains it is not the role of the pastor to fill in all the gaps. God has called pastors to devote themselves to teach His word. The percentage of partners who are actually serving in the church is low in comparison to those who attend. In American culture, if we are not excited, we are bored. If things are not new and fresh, many of us will look elsewhere.
We cannot bring the American culture attitude into the church. As followers of Christ, we are called to keep going, even and especially when the excitement has diminished. We are called to meet the need when we see the need. Our focus has to be on Christ and the message of His gospel. If we continue to be inwardly focused, the needs around us will not be seen or met. War must be waged against our internal thinking.
It is not the job of the pastor to fill the gaps. It is not someone else's responsibility to make sure everything is just the way it should be. As a believer, YOU are as responsible as anyone else to see needs and meet them.
Acts 6:1-7
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Saturday Dec 30, 2017
Saturday Dec 30, 2017
As Keith explains how sin causes us to die spiritually, he also speaks of the hope and freedom we have in Christ. Paul tells us in this passage, once we count the cost of following Christ and live for Him, sin has no power over our lives. Jesus defeated death and His life gives glory to God, as ours should.
Keith plainly explains we are no longer slaves to sin once we are in pursuit of Jesus. We are truly set free at the time of complete surrender. Our hope lies in the defeat of death, the resurrection of Christ and the grace God gives that is far greater than our sin.
Romans 6:5-14
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor